Solar Education Opportunities

PG&E offers a wide range of solar training opportunities for different audiences and education levels, both online and in the classroom. Whether solar energy is new to you or you are an experienced solar professional, please join us at one of our upcoming solar classes.

A brief description of our popular solar class offerings are listed below, along with the slide presentations used during the class. For a complete list of classes, please use our solar classes search form to find the best course for you.

In addition to what's listed here, we are working hard to identify new solar classes and subjects that are of interest to our customers, so please check often for our most recent additions. If you would like to provide a suggestion on a topic for a new solar class, contact us a solar@pge.com.

Note: Please reference the date when reviewing materials - the information is subject to change and as a result, may be outdated.

In-Person Classes and Workshops

Solar Electric Systems

Solar Power Basics
Overview for residential customers interested in learning the fundamentals of solar power for small grid-tied systems.
Slides: Solar Power Basics (August 2012)(PDF, 1.3 MB)
Please find both the two-hour class as well as a truncated, 30 minute version on video.

Photovoltaic (PV) Site Analysis and System Sizing
An intermediate class for anyone interested in understanding the specific issues associated with PV site analysis and system sizing.

Understanding Financial Analysis Methods for Photovoltaic (PV) Systems
An overview of solar electric (PV) system costs and approximate savings for residential systems as well as information on available incentives.

Other Renewables

Solar Water Heating Systems Basics (Also offered as a Webinar)
We will provide an overview of the design, specification, and installation aspects of Solar Water Heating systems for both commercial and residential applications.
Slides: Solar Water Heating Basics (August 2012)(PDF, 4.1 MB)
Classes: On-Demand Class Link

California Solar Initiative and Other Renewables Programs

California Solar Initiative (CSI) Thermal Program Workshop
Overview of the new CSI Thermal Program (Solar Water Heating) program offers incentives for the installation of solar water heating systems to displace both gas and electric use on residential, multifamily and commercial properties. This CSI Thermal Workshop is a required introductory course for contractors and applicants interested in participating in the CSI Thermal Program. The class is designed to provide a thorough understanding of the program, its requirements, eligible technologies and the application process.
Slides and Resources: CSI Thermal Workshop (February 2013)(PDF, 2.3 MB)

Solar Water Heating Systems

Solar Water Heating Basics
This Webinar covers the basic concepts of home SWH systems, including types of collectors, site location, and feasibility.
Slides: Solar Water Heating Basics (August 2012)(PDF, 4.1 MB)

California Solar Initiative (CSI) Application - How to Efficiently Apply for CSI Incentives
This webinar will go through the process of applying for your California Solar Initiative (CSI) incentive through PowerClerk. It will include tips in ensuring that applications are always in good order and how to avoid the common mistakes that would delay a reservation and/or payment.
Slides: How To Efficiently Apply for CSI (September 2012)(PDF, 1.7 MB)

New Solar Homes Partnership Program Application Process
Overview of the New Solar Homes Partnership (NSHP) program, including incentives offered, the requirements, the process, and efficient ways to use the Web tool to submit applications.
Slides: NSHP Application Process (July 2012)(PDF, 782 KB)

Using the Green Button for Solar
This webinar will go through the process of using the "Green Button" to run customer usage info.
Slides: Using the Green Button (August 2012)(PDF, 0.9 MB)

How NEM Works (NEM Tariff Overview)
This webinar will review PG&E's revised Self Generation Incentive Program (SGIP) including all the technologies covered, the process and helpful resources to ensure a streamlined SGIP process.
Slides: How NEM Works (March 2013)(PDF, 1.2 MB)